100 Years of WWI Aviation: What We Know Now

When:

What:

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The Museum presents a day-long symposium featuring renowned WWI aviation experts, who will discuss the topic: What do we know now about military aviation in the First World War?

The speakers and schedule:

10:30 a.m. to noon: Javier Arango and Dr. John Morrow.

Javier Arango is owner of one of the world’s finest private collections of World War I aircraft and a Board member of the National Air and Space Museum. He has worked to restore his collection to its original condition and to document a record of specifications and abilities of each of the aircraft – information that has not previously existed.

Dr. John Morrow (Emeritus, University of Georgia) is one of the most acclaimed World War I historians in the world. Dr. Morrow’s books are considered vital to any study of WWI aviation and the war as a whole.

1 to 2 p.m.: John Ross

John Ross is the author of the book "Enduring Courage – Ace Pilot Eddie Rickenbacker and the Dawn of the Age of Speed." He is the former Executive Editor of American Heritage and Invention & Technologymagazines and was a Senior Editor of Smithsonian magazine. Following this presentation, John Ross will sign copies of his book from 2 to 2:30p.m.

Dr. John S. Ballard (Emeritus, U.S. Air Force Academy) is also a former U.S. Air Force historian whose book on World War I Ace Field Kindley is renowned for its quality storytelling and historical value. Dr. Ballard is an author, educator, teacher, Air Force officer, and community leader.

Dr. Richard Hallion is Senior Adviser for Air and Space Issues, Directorate for Security, Counterintelligence and Special Programs Oversight, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. He is also an accomplished Air Force historian who has published a number of works on aviation. With World War I, his book “Taking Flight: is considered the seminal work on the subject.

A book signing will follow this program, from 4 to 4:30 p.m.

4:30 to 5:15 p.m.: Roundtable discussion among all speakers with focus on Q and A from audience about the day's presentations.

5:15 to 6:15 p.m.: Audience members can tour the World War I Gallery of the J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing with guest speakers.